The Human Resources Department deals with the following areas:

• Staff
• Recruitment & Selection
• Staff Training

 

Staff

Staff Structure

The following Resignations and Retirements took place during 2008:

RESIGNATIONS		RETIREMENTS
TOTAL	7	TOTAL	23

 

Staff Returns

Human Resources compiles a return of staff numbers which is submitted to the Department of Environment, Heritage & Local Government every quarter. The following staff details were returned for quarter ending 31.12.2009:

SECTOR	NUMBER OF STAFF	WTE (WHOLE TIME EQUIVALENTS)
Managerial	5	5
Clerical/Administrative	187	169.35
Professional/Technical	80	79.60
Outdoor	301	284
Supernumeries	9	9
Contract	15	14.49
National Development Plan Project Staff	2	2
Temporary/Seasonal Staff	1	1
Fire-Fighter	65	N/A
Non DoEHLG	11	87.5
TOTAL	676	651.94

 

Staff Welfare

Kilkenny Local Authorities have an Employee Assistance Programme in partnership with Quinn Healthcare. The Programme is designed to assist individuals in dealing with their personal and work related problems. The service is provided through a confidential helpline and face to face interaction offering both counselling and information services. The service is a valuable management tool in maintaining employee well-being and enhancing organisational performance.

 

Staff Leave

The following staff availed of Work Life Balance Schemes:

Term Time Leave	8
Work Share	40
Parental Leave	21 (369.5 days)

 

Equality and Diversity

Kilkenny Local Authorities fully subscribe to the principles of equality as set out in the Employment Equality Acts 1998 & 2004. During the year training was provided to staff in equality and diversity which is ongoing. The Equality Action Team work in partnership with the Human Resources Department in ensuring compliance with all policies in relation to equality and diversity.

 

Service Indicators

The Service Indicators for Kilkenny Local Authorities as at September 2009:

C1. Percentage of Working days lost to sickness absence through

Certified Leave	3.74%
Uncertified Leave	0.969%

 

 

Recruitment and Selection

Kilkenny Local Authorities is an equal opportunities employer. Independent Interview Boards are appointed to recommend the most suitable candidates for employment in accordance with the various qualifications and particulars of employment which apply to the grades concerned. Vacancies arising in Kilkenny Local Authorities are advertised as follows:

• Local or National Press
• Kilkenny Local Authorities Website: www.kilkennycoco.ie
• National Website: www.localgovernmentjobs.ie

Eleven[11] separate interviews were held during the year for various permanent and temporary positions. See Table for breakdown of competitions.

Since March 2009 there has been a Moratorium on staff recruitment and sanction from the Department is required for any new positions or the filling of vacancies arising from resignations, retirements etc.

 

Training Learning and Development

Kilkenny Local Authorities recognise Training, Development and Learning as a key pillar in the support of quality customer service, meeting statutory requirements and supporting ongoing staff learning and development. These goals reflect central principles in the Council's Corporate Plan and underpin the Council's Training Policy. Training is a core function within the Human Resource Department. The annual Training Plans are specific to Health and Safety and other general training. These Plans are effective training delivery templates. These Plans derive directly from statutory requirements, organisational needs, performance management and development targets and personal professional development needs.

Training delivery is met by means of a combination of in-house and external trainers. Where possible internal trainers are retained as a shared resource between Local Authorities in the South-East Region, as co-ordinated through the Roscrea Regional Training Centre. The year 2009 saw a sustained emphasis on preparation to meet stringent Health and Safety requirements, relating to road-works and excavations, key areas in meeting service delivery on route-ways and central to sustaining water services, through maintenance and repairs.

The overall expansion of focus was spearheaded by the course titled Health and Safety at Road-works, a one day program derived from the central Signing, Lighting and Guarding module which itself extended into 2009, in terms of final conclusion of delivery. The Health and Safety at road works module aimed at a general awareness of Safety issues and targeted General Operatives and those not directly involved in the design or modification of road-works signage.

The requirements of designers of road-works were met by means of the specifically developed Traffic Management for Designers Course. This highly specialised module was delivered through the Roscrea Regional Training Centre, by external training companies, the services of which were secured by competitive tender.

Safe Pass Training, a statutory requirement with significant personal and Organisational benefits, in terms of personal awareness, competency development and increased safety, continued on a rolling needs basis. The multi-annual renewal phase for a large number of staff commenced towards the latter part of the year.

The year 2009 allowed a focus on Awareness Training. Of particular interest and importance was the provision of Disability Equality Awareness Training. The training was provided to staff across the organisation and was viewed as vital in developing social and technical understanding of an area of common concern and substantial investment in terms of engineering and re-engineering of the built environment. Staff feedback on the course was universally positive and reflected the ethos of a true learning organisation having a high level of social awareness.

A specialised supporting technical module was provided for designers of streetscapes and the built environment in general. Here again the course feedback was positive and reflected an enhanced level of competency and credibility as a result of training.

On a similarly structured organisational basis awareness training, focusing on the perils of Fraud and Corruption, was rolled out to all staff across all areas. This training was delivered by the Council's Internal Auditor, as an internal service. Training in the areas of fire safety, first aid and road signage are other examples of internally facilitated training.

 

Health & Safety

A. Safety Consultation/ Committees

B. Safety Statements

C. Training

D. Departmental Health & Safety

E. Accident management & Corrective Action

F. Emergency Planning & Equipment Programme

G. Health Control Programme

H. Design Control & Purchasing

 

 

A. Safety Consultation/ Committees

Joint Consultative Safety Committee (JCSC)

• Met quarterly
• Committee consulted & informed on:
• H&S Programme 2009 progress
• H&S Training Plan delivery 2009

Items raised - controlled/provided for:

• Progress Report 2009
• Lone Working system roll out
• Unstable hitches replacement
• Hi Viz vest sample testing & selection
• Tractor (Thomastown) - smooth ride system installation
• Water Services H&S Sub - Committee outcomes

---

Safety Management Committee (SMC)

• Met three times over the year.
• Safety Programme approval & roll out
• Training Plan 2009 approval
• JCSC issue action
• Approval following amendment for:
  • Competent technical staff to undertake construction project assessments not administrative staff
  • PPE Enforcement
  • PPE Programme - glove issue
  • SSWP rollout
    • Welfare facilities / water provision
    • Emergencies protocol

---

South Eastern Regional Advisory Committee SERAC -

• Met quarterly
• SERAC SEMINAR: Construction Seminar - Apply the Code
• SERAC Seminar: Risk Assessment Workshop - The Key to Healthy Workplaces

 

B. Safety Statements

Ancillary Safety Statements

Roads

• Updated encompassing:
  • SSWP's - Training of all relevant staff in use of same
  • Emergency Protocol

 

Site/Job specific Safety Statements

Prepared for:

• Housing

1. Workshop
2. Safe System of Work - Housing maintenance piloted

• Traffic Wardens
  • Awaiting approval
  • Staff Awareness delivered
• Machinery Yard - updated
• Water Services
  • Radestown
  • Kells
  • Crossybrennans
  • Muckalee
  • Water Services Workshop
  • Lock Out Tag Out (LOTO) procedures implemented
• Woodstock
• Litter Wardens - awaiting approval
• Area Offices
• Graveyard - Awating approval
• Bin Lorry - risk assessment & safety report

---

• Fire Services

Job Specific Safety Statements - Operations completed

• Operation Action Plan progress:
• Appliance check sheet
• Cordon control procedures
• Incident command system implementation
• Height Access Audit
• Lifting equipment testing
• Confined space Access Audit
  • Training
  • Equipment provision

• Traffic Management Equipment Audit
• Decontamination procedures & facilities
• Risk assessment training development & delivery
• Stop/Go training development & delivery

 

Site Specific Safety Statement - Station template completed

• Station Action Plan Progress:
  • Provision & maintenance of fire fighting equipment - All Stations

---

C. Training

Safepass

SSWP for Working on Roads

CSCS Signing, Lighting & Guarding

CSCS Health & safety at Roadworks

CSCS Locating Underground Services

Water/Wastewater Safety

Tractor/Trailer

Ride-on Roller

Strimmers

CSCS Teleporter

AED

Asbestos Handling

Manual Handling

Lock Out/ Tag Out Training

Confined Space - C3

Chlorine Handling

Lifting Equipment Statutory test information sessions

PAT Testing Information Sessions

Violence & Aggression Training

Security & Armed Hold UP Training

Risk Assessment & safety Statement - Fire Services

Stop/Go Operation - Fire Services

 

---

D. Departmental Health & Safety

Roads -

• Roadworks Safety Management System update & training
  • Consultation
  • Chapter 8 Update
  • Guidance for the Control & Management of Roadworks
• Roads Ancillary Safety Statement
  • SSWP - Roads
  • Emergency Procedures
• Safe System of Work Plan training & implementation
• CSCS Signing, Lighting & Guarding
• CSCS H&S at Roadworks

 

Water Services -

Water Services H&S Sub-Committee

• Action Plan progress
  • Welfare facilities - Radestown / Castlecomer
  • Railings - Troyswood / Clonassy
  • Fencing - Hebron
  • Safety signage provision
  • Design considerations
  • Safe System of Work Plan - roadworks training & implementation
  • Traffic Management resource analysis and provision
  • ADR Requirements - Safe Chlorine transportation
  • Lifting / rescue equipment certification & testing
  • Battery charging unit risk assessment
  • Confined spaces safe system of work
  • LOTO procedure implementation and training
  • Access Facilities - Radestown
  • Weils disease card development & circulation
  • Lighting
  • Electrical socket replacement / electrical upgrade - Clonassy / Griagnuemaniagh / Moonenroe / Rockshire / Thomastown

• Chlorine leak detection upgrade - All plants

 

Office

• Workstation Analysis System sourcing & purchase
• Workstation analyses
• Office noise report

Community Centre

Safety inspection & report

Library - Graignuemanaigh

Security & safety report

Lone Worker & dealing with Violence & Aggression

Risk assessments carried out for Traffic Wardens

Attempts made to pilot the lone worker system on Traffic wardens.

Lone worker System purchased for Water Services.

Electricity

Overhead Powerline Booklet development

Event Safety

• Event Safety LASAG Sub - committee: Chairperson
  • Event Safety Flowchart
• Homecoming Event Safety Management Plan & training / briefings / meetings
• Homecoming de-briefing & debriefing reports

 

Major Emergency Plan Exercise

Risk Assessments

Bullying

Risk Assessments

Statutory/ Technical Inspections Programme

Lifting Equipment - Commenced

Pat Testing - ready for roll out

---

E. Accident management & Corrective Action

• Accident Investigations / reporting
• Corrective action follow up

---

F. Emergency Planning & Equipment Programme

• County Hall
  • Fire alarm test
  • Fire drill
  • Fire marshal appointments & briefing
  • Emergency Evacuation procedure revision & circulation
  • Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEPs) revision
  • Fire Action Notices revision
• Johns Green
  • Fire Marshal appointment
  • PEEP / Fire action development & circulation
• City Hall
  • Emergency Evacuation Procedure
  • PEEP's
  • Fire Action Plans
• City Library
  • Fire Action Notices
  • Refer to Section B
• Castlecomer Library & Area Office
  • Fire Officer inspection & report
  • Fire Action Notices
• Graignuemanaigh Library
  • Fire Officer inspection & report
  • Fire Action Notices

Refer to Section B - emergency plans included as part of Safety Statements

---

G. Health Control Programme

• Confined Space Medicals

---

H. Design Control & Purchasing

Construction

Health & Safety Tender / construction requirements advice

Roadwork Safety Management System / Procedures review

 

PPE Programme

Rolled out to KCC but not KBC

Review of glove issue

 

 

 

 

• Staff (incl. County Management Team)
• Recruitment & Selection
• Health & Safety
• Staff Training

 

Staff

County Management Team

[A] Acting [T] Temporary [WS] Work Sharing

MANAGEMENT TEAM
County Manager:	Michael Malone
Director of Housing & Corporate:	John McCormack
Director of Transport, Sanitary, Fire & Emergency:	Tom Gunning
Director of Planning & Environment:	Philip O'Neill
Director of Community & Enterprise:	Tony Walsh
Head of Finance:	John Dempsey

 

SENIOR EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
Human Resources/Corporate:	Michael J Brennan
Housing:	Anne Marie Walsh
Planning & Environment:	Martin Mullally
Roads & Sanitary:	Michael Delahunty
County Librarian:	James Fogarty
Head of Information Systems:	Kevin Hanley
Financial Management Accountant:	Declan McDonnell
Senior Social Worker:	Margaret Newport
Finance:	Tim Butler (A)

 

SENIOR EXECUTIVE ENGINEERS
Sanitary Services:	Dermot Druhan John Dowling
Planning:	Joe Wall
Environment:	Carol McCarthy
Housing:	Seamus Kavanagh
Road Design:	Ian Gardner
Roads Project Co-Ordinator N9/N10:	Joe Gannon
Chief Fire Officer:	Ciaran Cormican
Senior Planner:	Denis Malone (A)
Kilkenny Area Office:	Frank Gray
Castlecomer Area Office:	Michael Murphy
Callan Area Office:	Pat Graham
Thomastown Area Office:	John Leahy
Newrath Area Office:	Frank Stafford [A]

 

EXECUTIVE ENGINEERS
Machinery Yard:	Seamus Loughlin
Road Design:	Owen Shine Harry Shine
Sanitary Services:	Eamon Mahon
Planning:	Joe Scully John Nolan
Assistant Chief Fire Officer:	John Collins Frank Dunne
Conservation Officer:	Cormac O'Sullivan
Executive Architect:	Evelyn Graham
Road Project Office	Lisa Mulcahy (A)
Kilkenny Ring Road Project Team	John McGinty, Project Eng. Brian O'Donovan, Res. Exec. Eng. Aidan Morrissey, Res. Exec. Eng. John Ormond, Res. Exec. Eng. Daniel Wrafter, Ass. Res. Eng. Brendan Dowling, Ass. Res. Eng. Joe Daly, Technician Level 1

 

SENIOR ENGINEERS
Planning & Environment:	Pat Foley
Sanitary Services:	Frank O'Dwyer
Roads:	Billy Mernagh

 

EXECUTIVE PLANNERS
Planning:	Patricia Cadogan Lorraine O'Sullivan Claire Kelly Suzanne Galvin

 

SENIOR STAFF OFFICERS
Corporate Affairs:	Catherine Millea (WS)
Information Systems:	Tadhg McSherry
Sanitary Services:	Una Kealy (A)
Finance:	Phil Curran
Human Resources:	Anne Delaney
Environment:	Lynda Madden
Health & Safety:	Lisa Russell
Designated Road Safety Officer:	Una Kealy (A)
Designated Water Safety Officer:	Maeve Good
Arts Officer:	Mary Butler
Hertiage Officer:	Dearbhla Ledwidge

 

ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICERS
Finance:	Anne Marie Shortall (A)
Internal Audit:	Michael Shortall
Finance:	Annette Fitzpatrick
Housing:	Michael Drea (A) Michael Leahy (A)
Roads/Sanitary Services :	Martin Butler
Road Project Team:	John Walsh
Corporate Affairs:	Jimmy Gibbons
Partnership Facilitator:	Adrian Waldron
Community and Enterprise:	David Shortall (A) Lindsey Butler Brid Hynes
Rapid Co-ordinator:	Ronan Ryan

 

 

Staff Numbers

Kilkenny local authorities employs 637 staff in the following categories:

	Male	Female
Managerial/Administrative	55	152
Engineering/Technical	74	13
Operational/Outdoor services Staff	328	15

 

Staff Welfare

Employee Assistance Programme
Kilkenny Local Authorities launched its Employee Assistance Programme in Partnership with Bupa Ireland. The Programme is designed to assist individuals in dealing with their personal and work related problems. The service is provided through a confidential helpline and face to face interaction offering both counselling and information services. The service is a valuable management tool in maintaining employee well-being and enhancing organisational performance.
 

Policy on Absenteeism Management Welfare Programme
This Policy was rolled out to all Staff in 2005.The Policy is designed to encourage full attendance and the proper management of sickness absence.
 

Workplace Wellbeing Strategy
Human Resources in partnership with the Workplace Partnership Committee launched its workplace wellbeing strategy through a health promotion day on the 6th of October 2005 Through a series of promotional stands ,demonstrations consultations and workshops involving Cancer Awareness,The Irish Heart Foundation, Employee Assistance Programme,fight for Sight campaign –Glaucoma testing,Alternative therapies,Health promotion unit  of the Health Executive.

A Staff Health Screening programme was available to all staff in 2005 which was carried out by LABLINK.and subsidised by the council.

Other initiatives will be promoted in 2006 such as Workplace Drugs and Alcohol Policies, Stress and Mental well- being Healthy eating and physical activities, review of pre employment medical assessments and health survelliance programmes.

 

Industrial Relations

Kilkenny Local Authorities maintained its good industrial relations record.

 

Work Life Balance Schemes

The following Work Life Balance Schemes are in operation:

Term Time Leave	5
Work Share	12
Parental Leave	18
Career Breaks	9

 

Equality and Diversity

Kilkenny local authorities fully subscribe to the principles of equality as set out in the employment Equality Acts 1998 and 2004

During the year training was provided to staff in equality and diversity which is ongoing, and Sign language.

The Equality Action Team work in partnership with the Human Resources Department in ensuring compliance with all policies in relation to equality and diversity.

 

Performance Verification process

The Council submitted a number of action plans detailing progress  under Sustaining Progress during the year to the Performance Verification Group in respect of benchmarking The Performance Verification Group site visit took place on the 20th September 2005

 

Training Learning and Development

Training learning and Development is a core function of the Human Resource Dept and during 2005 the training unit prepared a Training learning and development strategy for Kilkenny Local Authorities. The personal development profiles of Staff in the Performance Management System form a key element of the Training plans for the organisation.

 

O2 Awards

Kilkenny County Council won its first ever O2 ability Award in 2005 for best practice in Recruitment & Selection. The awards recognise progressive attitudes in organisations that see disability and diversity as corporate opportunity and key to its success. The Awards Programme involved six steps with stage three of the competition involving an on site assessment which took place in 2005. Kilkenny County Council has entered the competition for 2006 in the following categories:

• Customer Service,
• Environmental Accessibility,
• Leadership,
• Recruitment and Selection,
• Learning Development and
• Progression and looks forward to further success.

 

Service Indicators

Kilkenny Local Authorities achieved the 3% national performance indicator for expenditure on training learning and development as a percentage of total payroll costs in 2005 . The outturn was 4.65%

C1.      Percentage of Working days lost to sickness absence through

Certified Leave	3.35%
Uncertified Leave	0.53%

 

Retirements / Resigns

STAFF WHO RETIRED IN 2005	STAFF WHO RESIGNED IN 2005
John J. Byrne	Julie Brophy
Richard Butler	Damien Daly
Thomas Curran	John Dunphy
Thomas Flynn	Maria Goff
Christy Leahy	Ann O'Brien
Patrick Manning	Caitriona Walsh
David Ryan
Patrick Treacy
Patrick Whelan

 

 

Recruitment & Selection

Interviews 2005

Forty Eight [48] separate interviews were held during the year for various permanent and temporary positions. The gender breakdown is as follows:

	Male	Female
Interview Board	96	52
Successful Candidates	34	14

 

 

Health and Safety

LASAG (Local Authority Safety Advisors Group)

• Health Surveillance Guidelines Development
• Sun Safety Policy & risk assessment protocol

 

Health Promotion Committee

• Health Promotion Day
   

Safety Week

• 'The Safety, Health & Welfare at Work Act, 2005' briefing sessions offered to all staff.
• 'Stop that Noise' - NISO, IOSH & HSA Joint Seminar offered to safety committee members and relevant section representatives (facilitated by SERAC).
• Noise Monitoring – carried for a number of workshops and various equipment.
• Safety Quiz.
• LASAG Safety Week Newsletter circulation to all staff.

Emergency Arrangements

• Review and monitoring of procedures - County Hall.
• Installation of new and appropriate assembly point signs & fire action notices.
• Fire audit - Library Headquarters & City Hall.
• Training of fire marshals and drivers in use of fire extinguishers - KCC & KBC.
• Fire Marshal briefing - County Hall.

 

Construction

• Review of Project Supervisor Appointments
• Review of construction & contractor H&S procedures

Roads

• Review of management of health & safety particularly in roads area:
  • Updating of Ancillary Safety Statement - Roads
  • Development of yearly safety and health plans for area project works
  • Development of one page risk assessment / safety & health plan checklist forms
• Cable avoidance tool purchase for areas without same

 

Housing

• Ancillary Safety Statement drafting
• Cable avoidance tool purchase

 

Sanitary Services

• Sanitary Services Ancillary Safety Statement
• Site Specific Safety Statements for each water and sewerage plant in the county
• Including risk assessments
• Plant safety & health inspections & reports
• Construction & Contractor H&S procedures revision & implementation.
• Noise monitoring
• Equipment
• Life Jackets
• Gas monitors
• Harnesses and lifelines
• Escape breathing apparatus
• Tripod and harness - for each area in the county
• Face masks - where necessary
• Life bouys
• Fire extinguishers - placed where none were previously present
• Safety railings - erected around hazardous operations in some plants. The plants still requiring same will be done in 2006.
• Safety grates - erected over hazardous operations / storage areas in some plants.The plants still requiring same will be done in 2006.
• Ladders - erected for access / egress to tanks, etc. in some plants. The plants still requiring same will be done in 2006.
• Extractor fan - Sanitary Service workshop, Machinery Yard
• CAT (Cable Avoidance Tool) - underground service detection

 

Excavations

• Telescopic graveshore unit sourced and purchased - Cemetery KBC

 

Welfare Arrangements

• Four mobile welfare units i.e. with toilets and canteen facilities, have been provided through Partnership. Six more have been purchased by Kilkenny County Council in 2004 with a further four purchased in 2005.

 

Training

• Safepass - staff requiring same i.e. those entering a construction site at any time
• Safepass refresher - was rolled out for all staff whose card was to expire
• Occupational First Aid refresher
• C1 - Confined Space Manager
• C3 - Safe working in confined spaces
• Employee drug testing - attended by H&S and HR for information on the upcoming legislation
• Safe use of Fire extinguishers (as above)
• Fire marshal briefing (as above)
• Signing, lighting and guarding - continued to be rolled out since last year for roads staff
• Surface dressing - continued to be rolled out since last year for roads staff
• Ride on roller - the first course offered and ran on this piece of equipment to be rolled out further
• Site Dumper - continued to be rolled out for the last number of years
• Gas Cylinder - ran for fitters and plumbers
• Toolbox talks - Safe work practice sheets (dumpers, Underground services), Inoculations and stress: continued to be rolled out since 2004
• Briefings on 'The Safety, health and welfare at work act, 2005' - ran by the HSA as well as in-house
   

 

 

 

• Staff (incl.County Management Team)
• Recruitment and Selection

 

Staff

County Management Team

[A] Acting [T] Temporary [WS] Work Sharing

MANAGEMENT TEAM
County Manager:	Michael Malone
Director of Housing & Corporate:	John McCormack
Director of Transport, Sanitary, Fire & Emergency:	Tom Gunning
Director of Planning & Environment:	Philip O'Neill
Director of Community & Enterprise:	Tony Walsh
Head of Finance:	John Dempsey

 

SENIOR EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
Human Resources:	Martin Mullally
Housing:	Rose Kenny
Planning & Environment:	Michael Delahunty
Roads & Sanitary:	Anne Maria Walsh
County Librarian:	James Fogarty
Head of Information Systems:	Kevin Hanley
Financial Management Accountant:	Declan McDonnell
Senior Social Worker:	Liam Keane

 

SENIOR EXECUTIVE ENGINEERS
Sanitary Services:	Dermot Druhan
Planning:	Joe Wall
Environment:	Carol McCarthy
Housing:	Kieran Fitzgerald
Road Design:	Ian Gardner
Special Project Piltown/Fiddown By-Pass:	John McGinty
Roads Project Co-Ordinator N9/N10:	Joe Gannon
Chief Fire Officer:	Ciaran Cormican
Senior Executive Planner:	Denis Malone
Kilkenny Area Office:	Frank Gray
Castlecomer Area Office:	Michael Murphy
Callan Area Office:	Pat Graham
Thomastown Area Office:	John Dowling
Newrath Area Office:	Frank Stafford [A]

 

EXECUTIVE ENGINEERS
Machinery Yard:	David Ryan
Road Design:	Aidan Morrissey Harry Shine Richard Bowan
Sanitary Services:	Eamon Mahon Seamus Kavanagh
Planning:	Pat Manning John Nolan
Assistant Chief Fire Officer:	John Collins Frank Dunne
Conservation Officer:	Cormac O'Sullivan
Executive Architect:	Evelyn Graham
Dunmore Landfill:	Brian O'Donovan [A]

 

SENIOR ENGINEERS
Planning & Environment:	Pat Foley
Sanitary Services:	Frank O'Dwyer
Roads:	Oliver Mannion

 

EXECUTIVE PLANNERS
Planning:	Damien Daly [A] Lorraine O'Sullivan Catriona Walsh [A] Peter Thomson

 

SENIOR STAFF OFFICERS
Motor Tax:	David Shortall
Information Systems:	Tadhg McSherry
Sanitary Services:	Catherine Millea
Finance:	Phil Curran
Human Resources:	Anne Delaney
Environment:	Patricia Dwan [A]
Health & Safety:	Lisa Russell
Designated Road Safety Officer:	Catherine Millea
Designated Water Safety Officer:	Kim Kinsella
Arts Officer:	Mary Butler

 

ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICERS
Finance:	Tim Butler
Internal Audit:	Michael Shortall
Planning:	Annette Fitzpatrick
Housing:	Mary Brophy
Roads/Sanitary Services :	Martin Butler
Road Project Team:	John Walsh
Corporate Affairs:	Jimmy Gibbons
Partnership Facilitator:	Adrian Waldron

 

Nymber of Staff

The following is a breakdown of persons employed by the Council by grade, both permanent and temporary, at 31st December. In all a total of 454 persons were employed. In addition to this a number of part-time staff would also have been employed during year.

MANAGERIAL, ADMINISTRATIVE AND CLERICAL			ENGINEERING & TECHNICAL			OUTDOOR & OTHER STAFF
GRADE	No.		GRADE	No.		GRADE	No.
County Manager	1		Senior Engineer	3		Technical Services Supervisor	1
Director of Services	4		Senior Executive Engineers	12		Assistant Foreman	3
Head of Finance	1		Senior Executive Planner	1		Chargehand	1
Head of Information Systems	1		Executive Engineers	11		Craftsmen	26
Senior Executive Officer	4		Executive Planner	4		Craftsman's Mate	1
Financial Management Accountant	1		Conservation Officer	1		Apprentice	4
Administrative Officer	7		Chief Fire Officer	1		Road Overseers	13
Senior Staff Officer	6		Assistant Chief Fire Officer	2		Labour/General Operatives	61
Staff Officer	13		Assistant Engineer	3		Refuse Collector	1
Assistant Staff Officer	29		Assistant Planner	2		Gangers	11
Clerical Officer	51		Executive Architect	1		Drivers	47
County Librarian	1		Landscape Architect	1		Water/Sewerage Caretakers	18
Assistant Librarian	3		Senior Executive Technician	4		Sanitary Services Supervisors	4
Senior Library Assistant	3		Executive Technician	8		Caretaker	11
Library Assistant	10		Technician Grade I	6		Gardener	1
Branch Librarian	10		Technician Grade II	3		Litter Warden	1
Revenue Collector	10					Dog Warden	1
Community Development Officer	2					Fire Fighter [Full-time]	3
Senior Social Worker	1					Dutymen	3
Environmental Awareness Officer	1					Special Works Foreman	1
Rapid Co-Ordinator	1					Messengers	2
I.S. Project Leader	1					Canteen Operator	1
I.S. Project Leader [G.I.S.]	1					Tar House Attendant	1
Internet Co-Ordinator	1					Storeman	1
Internet Developer	1					Handyman	1
Arts Officer	1					Sewerage Works Operator	3
I.S. Technical Support Officer	2					Environmental Caretaker	4
TOTAL	167		TOTAL	62		TOTAL	225

 

 

Retirements / Resigns

STAFF WHO RETIRED IN 2003	STAFF WHO RESIGNED IN 2003
Thomas Brennan	Niall Culliton
Peter Cullen	Niamh Egan
Michael Healy	Brian Kelly
Kevin O'Flynn
Patrick Phelan
Patrick Tynan
Daniel Wilson

Service Indicators

• 2.79% of working days lost to Certified Sickness Absence in 2003
• .5% of working days lost to Uncertified Sickness Absence in 2003

 

Recruitment & Selection

Interviews 2003

Twenty Two [22] separate interviews were held during the year for various permanent and temporary positions. The gender breakdown is as follows:

	Male	Female
Interview Board	50	23
Successful Candidates	15	7

 

 

• Staff
• Recruitment & Selection
• Staff Training

 

Staff

Staff Structure

The following Resignations and Retirements took place during 2008:

RESIGNATIONS		RETIREMENTS
Administrative	7	Administrative	5
Technical	4	Technical	1
Outdoor	0	Outdoor	10
Contract Posts	1	Fire	0
TOTAL	12	TOTAL	16

 

Staff Returns

Human Resources compiles a return of staff numbers which is submitted to the Department of Environment, Heritage & Local Government every quarter. The following staff details were returned for quarter ending 31.12.2008:

SECTOR	NUMBER OF STAFF	WTE (WHOLE TIME EQUIVALENTS)
Managerial	6	6
Clerical/Administrative	169	152.5
Professional/Technical	80	80
Outdoor	243	227
Supernumeries	7	7
Contract	21	20.17
National Development Plan Project Staff	5	5
Temporary/Seasonal Staff	17	17
Fire-Fighter	66	20
Non DoEHLG	12	8.5
TOTAL	626	543.17

 

Staff Welfare

Kilkenny Local Authorities have an Employee Assistance Programme in partnership with Quinn Healthcare. The Programme is designed to assist individuals in dealing with their personal and work related problems. The service is provided through a confidential helpline and face to face interaction offering both counselling and information services. The service is a valuable management tool in maintaining employee well-being and enhancing organisational performance.

 

Industrial Relations

Kilkenny Local Authorities maintained its good industrial relations record.

 

Staff Leave

The following staff availed of Work Life Balance Schemes:

Term Time Leave	12
Work Share	35
Parental Leave	23

 

Equality and Diversity

Kilkenny Local Authorities fully subscribe to the principles of equality as set out in the Employment Equality Acts 1998 & 2004. During the year training was provided to staff in equality and diversity which is ongoing. The Equality Action Team work in partnership with the Human Resources Department in ensuring compliance with all policies in relation to equality and diversity.

 

Service Indicators

The Service Indicators for Kilkenny Local Authorities for 2008 are as follows:

C1.      Percentage of Working days lost to sickness absence through

Certified Leave	4.74%
Uncertified Leave	0.60%

C2.      Expenditure on Training & Development as a percentage of total Payroll Costs

4.08% (Kilkenny Local Authorities)

 

Recruitment and Selection

Kilkenny Local Authorities is an equal opportunities employer. Independent Interview Boards are appointed to recommend the most suitable candidates for employment in accordance with the various qualifications and particulars of employment which apply to the grades concerned. Vacancies arising in Kilkenny Local Authorities are advertised as follows:

• Local or National Press
• Kilkenny Local Authorities Website: www.kilkennycoco.ie
• National Website: www.localgovernmentjobs.ie

Twenty Nine [29] separate interviews were held during the year for various permanent and temporary positions. See Table for breakdown of competitions.

 

List of Interviews

Competition	No. of Applicants		Placed on Panel		Appointed
	Male	Female	Male	Female	Male	Female
General Operative	29	0	18	0	2	0
Assistant Engineer	4	0	3	0	2	0
Environmental Awareness Officer	0	14	0	7	0	1
Assistant Planner	6	9	6	9	0	1
Road Safety Officer	6	3	4	0	0	0
Summer Students	55	39	49	32	31	26
Administrative Officer	6	10	2	2	1	1
Environmental Technician Grade I	5	8	1	6	0	2
Assistant Chief Fire Officer	1	0	0	0	0	0
Staff Officer	4	16	2	6	0	1
Temporary Driver in the Machinery Yard	17	1	14	0	12	0
Special Works Foreman	11	0	6	0	1	0
General Services Supervisor	19	3	10	0	1	0
Lifeguards	9	7	9	6	9	6
Temp. Driver Plant operator B Dunmore	3	0	2	0	1	0
Coffee Shop Manager (Temporary)	2	5	0	1	0	1
Coffee Shop Assistants (Temporary)	2	5	0	1	0	1
Tour Guide (Temporary)	2	5	1	2	0	1
Part-Time Pay Station Attendant	13	0	7	0	2	0
Technician Grade II	10	2	6	2	1	0
Community Development Worker	1	1	0	0	0	0
Access Officer	6	10	3	0	1	0
Water Works Caretaker Grade III	9	0	9	0	1	0
Fitter Mechanic (Fire Service)	1	0	1	0	1	0
Water Works Caretaker Grade V	10	0	7	0	1	0
Assistant Chief Fire Officer	7	0	3	0	1	0
Retained Fire Fighter	25	3	3	0	1	0
Community Development Worker	0	4	0	1	0	1
Construction Plant Fitter	10	0	6	0	1	0

 

Training Learning and Development

Kilkenny Local Authorities recognise Training, Development and Learning as central to improving customer service, meeting legislative requirements and sustaining staff development. These goals reflect central principles in the Council's Corporate Plan and underpin the Council's Training Policy. Training is a core function within the Human Resource Department. The annual Training Plans are specific to Health and Safety and other general training. These Plans are effective training delivery templates. These Plans derive directly from statutory requirements, organisational needs, performance management and development targets and personal professional formation.

Training delivery is met by means of a combination of in-house and external trainers. Where possible internal trainers are retained as a shared resource between Local Authorities in the South-East Region, as co-ordinated through the Regional Training Centre. The year 2008 saw a strong emphasis on preparation to meet stringent new Health and Safety requirements, relating to road-works and excavations, key areas in meeting service delivery on route-ways and sustaining water services.

Other training provided during the year included the following:

• PMDS Training
• Signing, Lighting and Guarding at Roadworks
• Certificate in Local Government Studies
• Confined Spaces Training
• Diploma in Local Government Studies
• Winter Maintenance
• Various Degree Programmes
• Location of Underground Services

 

Health and Safety

Safety Consultation/ Committees

Joint Consultative Safety Committee (JCSC)

• Met quarterly
• Items raised - controlled / provided for: -
  • Progress Report 2007 & Safety Programme 2008 information provision
  • Corporate Safety Statement provision
  • Supervisor H&S Briefing organised
  • Lone Working - Painters issue resolution
  • Draft Managing Violence & Aggression literature consultation
  • Electricity risk in fire fighting
  • County Hall - Housekeeping
  • National Safety rep conference attendance
  • Safety Week Consultation
  • Safety Reps sought for Callan, Castlecomer, Library, City Hall
  • Safety rep nominations for Callan & City Hall
  • Water Services H&S sub - committee set up meeting twice

Safety Management Committee (SMC)

• Met quarterly
• JCSC issue action
• Safety Programme approval & roll out
• Approval following amendment for:
  • H&S Annual report 2007 & Plan 2008
  • Construction Project - H&S Requirement Step by Step Guide
  • H&S Competency Questionnaire Projects <€50K
  • Draft Managing Violence & Aggression literature

 

South Eastern Regional Advisory Committee (SERAC) -

• Met quarterly
• Occupational Health Guidelines development
• SEMINAR: Health and Safety Requirements for Small-Medium Contractors

 

Safety Statements

Site/ Job specific Safety Statements

• Template developed
• Drafts prepared for:
  • Area Offices
  • Waste Enforcement Checkpoint
  • Housing workshop
  • Libraries
  • Heritage
  • Swimming Pool
  • AED provision

• The following Safety Statements were commenced:
  • Fire Services - Operations

 

Training

• Matrix development

Courses

• Safepass Refresher - rolled out for any staff whose cards expired
• Supervisor H&S Briefing
• H&S Induction / Awareness
• CSCS - Signing, Lighting & Guarding Train the Trainer and Assessor course - 2 in-house trainers
• CSCS Signing, Lighting & Guarding Course
• CSCS Location of Underground Services Course
• Guidance for the Control & Management of Traffic at Roadworks
• HSA SERAC Seminar - Workplace Safety: Who is responsible?
• Manual Handling - being rolled out to all staff
• Abrasive wheels
• Chainsaw
• Asbestos awareness
• Forklift
• CSCS Teleporter
• Ride on Lawnmower
• Confined Spaces C1 Managers
• Confined Spaces C2 Supervisors
• Confined Spaces C3 Refresher
• Managing Safety for Construction Project Supervisors
• VDU Assessors
• Safety Harness Inspector Training

 

Departmental Health & Safety

Roads

• Roadworks Safety Management System update & training
  • Consultation
  • Chapter 8 Update 

• Safe System of Work Plan - Working on Roads
  • Launched nationally 4th March

• Kilkenny Area Depot Report
• Callan Depot Report

Office

• Motor Tax
  • Chair provision
  • Security Report

 

Environment

Waste Enforcement Checkpoint Job Specific Safety Statement draft

Fire Service

Fire Service - Job Specific Safety Statement: Operations commenced

General

Lone Worker & dealing with Violence & Aggression
Procedure Manual / posters / cards development and circulation via HR
Risk Assessments

 

Event Safety

• Event Safety LASAG Sub - committee setup
• Homecoming Audit Report
• Homecoming Event Safety Plan

 

Accident Management & Corrective Action

• Supervisor Briefing - procedure inclusion
• Accident Investigations / Reporting
• Corrective action follow up

 

Emergency Planning & Equipment Programme

• Fire extinguisher arrangement -
  • Swimming Pool
  • Areas

 

Health Control Programme

• Radon re-monitoring & remedial action
• Medicals / Health Surveillance:
  • Confined Spaces
  • Inoculations
  • Eye tests

• Manual Handling assessments and training

 

Design Control & Purchasing

Construction

• Procedures
  • Construction Project - H&S Requirement Step by Step Guide

• Small project competency questionnaire development.

 

PPE Programme

Roll out
Issue Record Forms implementation.

 

 

 

The Human Resources Department deals with the following main areas;

Human Resource Strategy	Diversity Management
Workforce Planning	Equality
Recruitment & Selection	Work life Balance
Employee Training & Development	Industrial Relations
Performance Management	Employee Health Safety & Welfare
Attendance Management	Returns & Reports
Leadership Development	Employment Law

 

Human Resource Strategy

A HR Strategy was prepared in 2011. The overall objective of which is to provide for the development of the Human Resource function at all levels and to ensure that all core Human Resource processes are aligned to, and support, the future mission, goals and service delivery requirements of both local authorities.

 

Public Service Agreement

The Public Service Agreement 2010 - 2014 represents an agreement between the Trade Unions and Management representing public sector workers.

The Agreement is designed to;

• Facilitate a reduction in the public service pay bill through a progressive reduction in staff numbers across the public sector.
• Eliminate a requirement for any further pay reductions in public sector basic pay.
• Continue to deliver excellent public services in the context of this reduction in public sector numbers and the commitments in relation to pay and security of employment.
• Maximise efficiencies and increase productivity in the use of resources through revised work practices, innovations and other initiatives.

 

Action Plans

A series of Action Plans have been developed nationally by each Sector-Local Government, Health, Civil Service, Gardai, etc. To support the national Local Government Sector Action Plan each Local Authority has developed its own plan which outlines a number of measures under common headings of restructuring, shared services, procurement, e-government, redeployment, productivity & performance.

Considerable progress has been made in Kilkenny County & Borough Councils to date;

• Gross pay for all Grades was reduced by an average of 8%, and net pay was reduced by an average of 7% due to the imposition of the pension levy. The total reduction in take home pay for all employees was on average 15%.
• Kilkenny Local Authorities had 125 employees fewer employed at 31/12/2011 than was employed at 31st December 2007. This is a reduction of 16.25% in numbers employed or 14.1% in Whole Time Equivalents employed.

 

Nationally

• The numbers employed in the Public Service have reduced by 14,828 (4.75% ) in the period 2007-2011.
• The numbers employed in Local Government have reduced by 5,461 (15.62%) in the period 2007-2011.

 

Payroll costs have reduced by €4,638,937 from their peak 31/12/2008 to 31/12 2011 and are estimated to reduce again by €173,225 in 2012.

 

Government Targets

The target for the Public Service is 294,700 by the end of 2014.

The target for Local Government is 30,000 by end of 2014 as follows;

• 30,800 by end of 2011
• 30,400 by end of 2012
• 30,000 by end of 2013
• 30,000 by end of 2014

In Kilkenny, the 2014 target was met in December 2011.

 

 

Employment Numbers for Both Authoraties 2007-2011

Year Ended	Totals
	Headcount	WTE's
31/12/2007	769	652
31/12/2008	727	644.17
31/12/2009	679	594.54
31/12/2010	662	567.74
31/12/2011	644	556.59
Total	125	91.41
Reductions	[16.25%]	[14.02%]

 

Total number of staff (whole time equivalent) at the end of December 2011 535.59 reduced from 545 in 2010.

 

Specific measures achieved in Kilkenny Local Authorities to date include;

Restructuring

• Decrease in the number of staff and Directorates
• Reduction in number and redeployment of Revenue Collectors
• Establishment of dedicated debt collection unit
• Non filling of maternity leave posts
• Implementation of work life balance schemes
• Water Service Caretaker restructuring so as to separate water & waste water duties

Shared Services

• The Housing functions of both Kilkenny County & Borough Councils are now delivered by Kilkenny County Council. This involved the redeployment of 5 indoor staff and 8 outdoor staff from Kilkenny Borough Council to the County Council.
• Shared Parks & Nursery Services in the Kilkenny City/Environs Area
• Shared Forward Planning Service for both Authorities
• The Payroll, HR & IR Services for both Authorities are now provided by Kilkenny County Council
• Shared Roads Services in the Kilkenny City & Environs areas
• Agreement with Carlow County Council in relation to the provision of a Dog Warden service
• Agreement between Kilkenny County Council, The Food Safety Authority of Ireland & 2 other Local Authorities in relation to the provision of food safety functions
• Joint Regional Waste Management Planning including Recycling
• Agricultural Inspections carried out on behalf of KCC by Dept of Agriculture
• Regional Coastal Pollution Plan
• Regional Promotion of Eco Education & Awareness
• Regional Water & Environmental Management Committee/EPA Laboratory
• Carlow/Kilkenny Energy Agency

Procurement

• A dedicated Procurement Unit was established to implement Corporate Procurement Strategy. Key benefits provided include:
• Negotiating savings in procurement of goods and services
• Amalgamation of spend and eliminations of procurement inefficiencies
• Legislative compliance and the development of expertise in the area of procurement

 

The dedicated procurement unit has delivered €1.5m savings to date through negotiated reductions in prices of water services supplies, landfill remedial contract, street cleaning, mobile phone tender, recycling, cleaning of bring banks, water quality testing, jcb hire and fixed line telephone costs.

 

E Government

• Kilkenny Tourism & Invest Kilkenny websites were developed by Kilkenny County Council with open source software
• Water Meter Application (meter.ie) installed so that commercial users may view their water consumption and water charge accounts on line
• Water quality website (lims system) provided where water quality results of public water schemes are available on line
• Use of web 2.0 technologies and open source software
• On line payments for many services

Redeployment

• Economic Development Unit established
• Water Services Business Unit established -Finance & Water Services staff redeployed into one unit to address all aspects of the payment of water charges including customer complaints, enquiries and payments

Productivity & Performance

• Abolition of certain Overtime & Allowance arrangements
• Changes in the Fire Service response to certain minor call outs and other Fire Service efficiencies
• Elimination of cashing time, regularising of annual leave and working time arrangements in Kilkenny Borough Council
• Rationalising of refuse collection arrangements in Kilkenny Borough Council
• Introduction of Electronic Time & Attendance
• Revised Absenteeism Management Policy agreed for the Sector & being implemented in Kilkenny Local Authorities
• Moving from weekly to fortnightly pay cycles for certain groups of staff
• Provision of Integrated HR, Payroll & Superannuation system
• Collection of newly introduced income streams including the household charge
• Provision of a Fleet Security/GPS for both Authorities
• Out of hour's provision of services such as Planning, Community & Culture, Tenant Liaison, Environmental Awareness, Heritage etc.

Future Actions

• Both Authorities are further committed to the Sectors' objectives of implementing further Local Government reforms, implementing the recommendations of the Local Government Efficiency Review Group report, the development of Shared Services and implementing Government decisions in relation to broadening the tax base and revising structures at regional country & sub county levels.

 

 

Audit

It is the role of Internal Audit to provide assurance as to the efficient operation of financial, management & operational controls in the Local Authority. Work continued on the implementation of a programme of internal audit and spot checks throughout 2011.

The role of the Audit Committee is to provide oversight of the integrity of the internal controls and the effectiveness of the risk management procedures. The committee met on four occasions in 2011.

The committee reviewed the operation of the Internal Audit section and its reports; it discussed the management and governance of the Council with management and reviewed the financial reporting of the Council.
 

 

Health and Safety and Welfare at Work

This section of the annual report sets out how Kilkenny County Council and Kilkenny Borough Council implemented their Safety Management System in 2011. The report summarises the achievements throughout the past year in developing policies, revising safety statements and ultimately improving the health, safety and welfare at work environment in the Local Authorities.

The highlights for 2011 were;

• Consultation and Communication - Safety Management Committee and the Joint Consultative Safety Committee met as required throughout the year.
• HSA Inspections and Notices - The Health and Safety Authority carried out one inspection in 2011. There were no improvement notices served during the period.
• Policies - Progress continued in the review and development of policies in the area of construction management, confined spaces, lone working emergency evacuation, event safety, statutory inspections for equipment and visual display units. In addition there was solid progress in reviewing the 64 policy statements issued by LASAG for national adoption.
• Safety Statements and Risk Assessments - Progress was made in 2011 in revising safety statements and reviewing risk in the following areas:
  • Housing Maintenance
  • Traffic management
  • Machinery Yard (County Council)
  • Newrath Depot
  • Water Services
  • Fire Services and Fire Stations
  • Environment

Training and familiarisation was also provided in respect of the first five of the Standard Operational Guidelines as issued by the National Directorate on Fire and Emergency Management.

• Safety Audits - Considerable progress made in 2010 was continued in 2011:
  • An independent consultant was engaged to undertake audits in the Council's main areas of operation. Audit reports for 11 roadwork sites, 8 water services installations and 5 housing activities were issued during the year.
  • Senior members of staff undertook audits in their own service areas. The model for inspections as issued by LASAG has been used for this purpose.

 

Key Indicators for 2011

€730,400 was spent by Kilkenny Local Authorities on Health and Safety in the workplace. This represents about 8.7% of the Council's Annual budget for 2011 or €1,270 per employee. Other key indicators include;

• The Management Team of Kilkenny Local Authorities discussed health and safety on 33 occasions throughout the year.
• The Safety Management Committee met on 5 occasions.
• The Joint Consultative Committee met on three occasions in 2011.
• In 2011 there were 10 accidents in the workplace, 3 of which were reportable to the HSA.
• The recordable accident or incident rate for 2011 is 0.5 (3x200,000/1,240,000 employee hours) Using Occupational Safety & Health Administration (U.S) methodology. This means that for every 100 employees 0.5 have been in a reportable injury. This compares very well with sectoral norms of 4 in the area of maintenance, repair and utilities.